Just One Little Bake Sale

What's been happening along our borders has been on everyone's minds lately. Many of us feel helpless, wondering what we can do. A check sent here to the ACLU  - American Civil Liberties Union  or to church groups helps a little. yet we need to make a bigger impact. We need to have a bake sale.

The idea may sound trivial or even a bit cutesy - twee - as the British call it but a large bake sale with several home bakers participating can raise a substantial amount.Since the schools are closed for the summer, the best place to hold one is in your house of worship. Many churches, temples and mosques would be willing to help in setting one up.Then comes the meting out of who is going to bake what.Have as many different kinds of sweet and savory treats you can think of for it.No sweat if you're not a great baker. . You can whip up a batch of Rice Krispie treats using only your microwave. For extra money bake whole cakes, from crumb to Bundt and sell them along with cake slices. Savory bites such as pretzels and cheese twists are also big sellers. Bread bakers can show off their skills by contributing artesenal bread to the sale.The loaves will definitely bring in sales and more money because no one can resist homemade bread.

A bake sale can be expanded to include  refreshing drinks too. Homemade lemonade and lime ade are always popular and thirst quenching on a hot day. Now there are cold brewed teas that can be easily be made and served alongside cookies and cake. The same goes for cold brewed coffee. Make sure you have plenty of cups along with sugar and creamers, both non-dairy and regular for those who want them.This is also a good time to create brochures and literature explaining what is going on at our borders. Look, there may be opposition from the less enlightened. Ignore them. Explain that it's just a bake sale and not some kind of political or anti-government rally. If you know any immigration lawyers invite them to explain along with clergy and clerics. to calm down any tense situations. What matters is that you're helping in some way for  families  to reunite.

It's just a bake sale = but it's a bake sale with weight. Those chocolate chips and slices of devil's food will help in alleviating a horrible situation. It's a start - one filled with sweetness and hope

Healing Meals

One of the most saddest and maddening events of the summer was the Charlottesville march .It was a ridiculous and grossly archaic show of prejudice. We need to come together and the best way is by food. It unites us more than anything. A meal that heals is the best kind possible bandaid. We overlook our differences as we come together to  sample our society's different foods and flavors.

If a mayor, principal, or college president is looking for a way to unite , then look no further than a community table. Hosting dinners, lunches and/or end of season barbecues is a great way of getting people of all backgrounds together. It starts with research and organization. Create a multicultural committee where all voices are heard and dietary issues are discussed. Another good idea is getting religious leaders involved. They may want to host it at their church, synagogue, or mosque to reinforce community.If not, then think about campus halls, cafeterias or even gyms. There can even be entertainment by different ethnic groups so that others can be exposed to customs and languages. If it's outdoors (and towns should consider their local parks for a community gathering) then have games and competitions for the kids to come together and enjoy.The community get together can also be done on a smaller basis. Try block parties , using the same principles  of a varied committee to oversee food and entertainment.

What is great about a community gathering is the introduction to all sorts of foods, especially if its'a pot luck. People get to try such diverse dishes as kim chi and satays, while enjoying such classics as hot dogs and cole slaw. Those who usually stick to all American fare will enjoy a change of pace with curries and paellas. It's a wonderful introduction for the more adventurous home chefs to experiment with different flavors such as za'atar , sriracha, or garam  masala.Keep in mind that there will be restrictions. Mormons are not allowed to imbibe in any spirits and this also  includes coffee and caffeinated tea. Jews and Muslims may  also have restrictions depending on how religious they are. Be aware of these and do not offend.Also some may be vegan so have veggie dishes on the ready too. Alcohol may seem a good idea however too such may create the opposite of the dinner's intention. Someone may get drunk and mouth off about one group - something no one wants to see happen. End with favors to take home - (Oriental Trading Company has some neat ones that would go at any multicultural gathering).Another idea is to create a cookbook with a variety of dishes to take home.

We are a country sadly coming apart. We need to be united again and that can come with a good meal and good conversation. Let food heal us.